how do i take a tank off to change fuel tank

[dakotadad]

i have a 1993 dodge dakota v-6. i think i need to install a new fuel pump. how dificult is the process of removing tank and installing the pump? thanks in advance from dakotadad.

[nightdriver09]

I've done seven or so in 15 years, all by jacking up
the bed. disconnect the filler pipe at the flap and
remove all but the back bed bolts. Loosen them up.
Then you just have to remove the outlet and return
lines on top of the pump. Remove the electrical con
nector and turn the plastic collar counter-clockwise
That bulb on top of the pump assembly is a filter\
pressure regulator, best to change that also. also,
always change the filter on the bottom of the pump
assembly, mandatory when changing pumps. If you
work smart it can be about a two hour job.

[QuietGuy]

Smart idea, nightdriver, I never thought of doing it that way. I've done this once on my '92 dakota by dropping the tank and working on the bench. The hardest part is lowering the tank enough to get your hand between the tank and the bottom of the bed to undo the fuel line connectors, which is not easy if you're not familiar with how they work. The only trouble I had was the nuts on the tank strap were badly rusted and the studs snapped off. I would get two replacement studs before starting the job, just in case. If you get a Haynes manual, the process is covered in good detail, including the fuel line connections.